Can You Reuse Breast Milk Storage Bags

Hey mamas! If you’re pumping and storing your liquid gold, you’ve probably wondered – can you reuse breast milk storage bags? This handy little baglets are a pumping momma’s best friend. They keep your breastmilk fresh and ready for baby anytime.

But they can also get pricy when you’re going through multiple each day! The reusable ones seem like a smart buy – but are they really safe to keep using?

Let’s dive in and I’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting the most from your breast milk storage bags!

Why Bother With Breast Milk Storage Bags?

First – why even bother with these things? Seems like a hassle, right?

Well, having a good stash of breastmilk on hand makes life 1000x easier! Here’s just a few reasons to get pumping and packing:

Convenience – You can pump on your schedule and bottle feed baby later. This gives you freedom to get stuff done without worrying about breastfeeding!
Time Apart – Heading back to work or need a night away? Storage bags let someone else handle a feeding!
Prevent Engorgement – Ever woken up with rock hard porn star boobs? Not fun! Pumping relieves engorgement so you’re comfy.
Feed a Preemie – Premature babies may lack the strength and reflexes to nurse. Pumping gives them your liquid gold!
Share the Work – Dads can help with overnight feeds. Grandma can bottle feed baby while you nap. Teamwork!
Milk Supply – Removing milk stimulates production. So even just pumping occasionally boosts your supply.

No doubt about it, having a stash of breastmilk in the freezer is clutch! Next let’s look at the types of storage bags available.

Kinds of Breast Milk Bags: Disposable vs Reusable

You’ve got two options when it comes to breastmilk baggies – disposable and reusable. Each has pros and cons, so let’s compare:

Disposable Bags

Cheap! About $0.25 per bag
Leak resistant double zipper seal
Lay flat for compact freezing
Pre-sterilized and ready to use
Single use – toss after 1 pump session

Reusable Bags

Made of durable freezer-safe material
Withstand multiple uses – just wash between
Large capacity holds 5-8oz per bag
Eco-friendly and reduces waste!
Zipper top or screw cap for leakproof seal
Higher upfront cost around $15 for 5 bags

Both disposable and reusable milk storage bags come in small, medium and large sizes. Popular brands like Medela, Lansinoh and Kiinde all make both versions.

I recommend having some of each on hand! Use the disposables for everyday pumping and bust out the reusables when you need to build up a large stash.

Next up – how long you can actually store milk before it goes bad!

Don’t Cry Over Spoiled Milk: Storage Duration Guidelines

Nothing sucks more than having your liquid gold go to waste! To get the most mileage from your milk bags, it’s key to follow safe storage times.

Here’s how long breastmilk lasts according to the CDC:

Countertop – Up to 4 hours at room temp
Fridge – Up to 4 days chilled
Freezer – 6-12 months frozen

Some quick tips for safe storing:

Use the coldest part of the fridge, like the back
Freeze milk in small 2-4oz batches
Label bags with date and quantity
Put newest milk towards the back
Don’t reopen freezer bags once frozen
Thaw oldest milk first

Pro Tip: Lay bags flat in the freezer to prevent freezer burn. It thaws faster too since more surface area touches the ice!

Watch for separation, odor changes or curdling. Toss any iffy looking milk to be safe. Now we get to the big question…

The Reusables Debate: Can You Really Reuse Them?

Here’s the deal – technically you can reuse breast milk storage bags, both disposable and reusable kinds. But experts strongly recommend against it with disposables.

Reusable bags are designed for multiple uses. But you should still take precautions to use them safely:

Wash thoroughly – handwash in hot, soapy water after each use
Limit reuse – aim for only 1-2 extra uses maximum
Inspect for damage – toss any with cracks or weak seals
Sterilize – use steam sterilizer or boil between each use
Store properly – keep unused bags sealed and refrigerated

Reusing disposable bags is risky business. Why? Milk residue and bacteria can linger in the bags. This contaminates any fresh milk stored in the used bag.

While the bags themselves are food-grade plastic, the milk inside will go bad much faster. Ultimately it’s not worth the risk just to save a quarter!

Scrub-a-Dub-Dub: How to Clean Reusable Bags

Reusable breast milk bags need a thorough scrubbing between each use. Here’s how to wash them:

Rinse immediately – don’t let residue sit after pumping
Wash with soap and hot water – use mild dish soap, no bleach
Brush textured surfaces – use a bottle brush to remove residue
Air dry completely – lay flat on a clean towel
Sterilize – steam or boil for 5 minutes or more
Inspect – check for cracks, cloudiness or worn out zipper
Store properly – refrigerate clean bags until next use

It takes a bit more effort than tossing a disposable bag, but it’s worth it to get the most use from reusables!

Keep It Clean: Avoiding Milk Contamination

Nothing’s worse than giving baby spoiled milk 🤢 Here’s how to keep your liquid gold contamination-free:

Pump into a clean collection cup – don’t pump directly into storage bags
Use sterile bags – pre-sterilized disposable or sterilize reusables
Label and date bags – so you know what’s the oldest
Seal tightly – listen for the zipper “click” and press any air out
Store immediately – get bags into fridge or freezer ASAP after pumping
Freeze flat – for quick, even freezing to avoid ice crystals
Handle carefully – don’t let used bags contact fresh milk

Following safe collection, storage, and thawing practices prevents bacteria growth. Your due diligence keeps that liquid gold safe and nourishing for baby!

Serving Up That Liquid Gold: Safe Milk Handling

When baby’s hungry, you gotta move fast. But slow down and follow these safe handling tips:

Never microwave breastmilk – dangerous hot spots can burn baby!
Thaw overnight in fridge – place oldest milk in fridge first
Gently swirl – mix separated milk before warming
Warm under warm running water or in a bottle warmer – no microwaving!
Use thawed milk within 24 hours – toss any unused milk
Always sniff and taste test before feeding
Wash hands before handling pumped milk

Following safe thawing, warming and handling keeps milk free of nasty bacteria. Now you can relax knowing your baby’s getting the nourishing goodness they need!